The Big Island is like a big petri dish. Organisms grow amazingly well here and new species, when introduced, can and do have unintended consequences.

Some of the ones we're dealing with now:Trees such as Albizia, Miconia, Cecropia and many other invaders. Critters such as Coqui frogs, Fireants, African snails, Coffee borer beetle and numerous other unpleasant critters.

What follows is a slideshow of creatures that were intercepted over the years on shipments, in luggage, and in the mail. The Department of Ag is responsible for monitoring new arrivals and I thank them for this gruesome display they have in their foyer.

​WARNING: Do not look any further if you are squeamish.

Thank you to the Department of Agriculture for keeping out spiders & snakes, 'cuz that ain't what it takes to love this place.​However, in Hawaii there ARE spiders along with geckos, chameleons, lizards and many wonderful bug-eating critters.